Ch.12
1345 Words
Althea
What a foolish jerk! How could he think that Pascal and I were in a relationship? Even if we were, why does it matter to him? After all, he’s just my boss.
It was going to be challenging with Pascal being the only one managing our drawings and illustrations, which is why I didn’t hesitate to help especially with our current situation.
It seems I’m not really needed here anyway. It’s my day off, and perhaps I should have spent it indulging in some chocolate on my couch.
When I walked into Mr. Valenti’s office with the illustration papers that Pascal and I created the next morning, he was leaning against his desk, where he usually lets people sit across from him.
His gaze was fixed on a document he held, occasionally checking his watch as if he were unaware of my presence.
I stood before him, observing his appearance. His hair shone and was neatly styled, clearly damp from a recent shower. His face appeared fresh and clean, accentuated by his stubble.
His black suit fit him perfectly. He looked striking, authoritative, and undeniably handsome, reminiscent of the devil, and I despised it.
"Here are the samples for our new designs. Pascal wants you to assess their quality." I handed him the papers with a neutral expression.
"Thank you, I’ll review them immediately," he responded.
I turned to dash away, but an iron grip seized my wrist. "Althea."
I stifled a gasp. "What?" I was making a concerted effort to keep my temper in check and be more courteous. I hope he’s more reasonable and empathetic now to address our issue from yesterday.
"I apologize for what happened yesterday."
"Y-You’re actually saying sorry." My eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.
"Yes, I am. Can you forgive me?" He moved closer, reducing the distance between us.
"Not so quickly."
A muscle twitched in his jaw, and his eyes narrowed slightly. "Why not? What’s the issue, Althea? Perhaps you should clarify things for me." He questioned me in an irritated tone and took a step back.
"I’m not sure how to explain this or if it’s even possible."
"Just express what you need to say."
"I aspire to join the design team with Pascal. I’ll continue as your Personal Assistant, but given our current circumstances, I believe I should leverage the skills I’ve honed over the past few weeks to support the company."
He leaned in closer to me. "Is that everything?" I breathed in his fresh, musky scent that filled my mind. "Yeah."
He nodded. "So... can we begin working tomorrow?"
"What?"
"As my assistant and artist."
"You’re not upset about my request." My eyes grew wide. I could hardly believe what I had just heard.
"No? I’m happy you offered to assist."
I was filled with joy. He was serious, wasn’t he?
"So.....what’s your response?"
I beamed and gave him my enthusiastic YES.
"So am I forgiven now?"
"Yes, you’re forgiven." I playfully nudged him back a bit to take in some fresh air for my breathless body.
"Please make a lunch reservation for four at Eleven Madison Park. I have a meeting with Mr. Thompson, and you’ll be joining us as well," He informed me.
"Is there anything else, Mr. Valenti?"
"No."
"Twenty-five billion dollars is the final offer. If that’s beyond your means, I’m sorry, but my company cannot assist you, Mr. Thompson. I’ve allowed you ample time to consider, and I need your decision now. Otherwise, our meeting serves no purpose."
Mr. Valenti was negotiating a business deal over the phone while we were in his car, utilizing a wireless Bluetooth device.
His voice was pleasant, deep, and composed, with a hint of steel. He spoke with a calm authority.
I reclined against the soft cushion of the passenger seat, enjoying its plushness. My hands glided over the luxurious leather beside me.
Being in his car felt like flying in a jet—serene and cozy. He drove swiftly yet handled the vehicle with grace.
I inhaled the aroma inside the car. It was a blend of leather, cool air flowing in through the window, and Eros's familiar scent, reminiscent of a fresh cologne or body wash.
He unexpectedly brushed my hand, pulling me out of my daydream.
"We have arrived, Althea," he declared.
"Before we proceed, he’s not a decent man. Speak to him only when absolutely necessary. He tends to ask far too many inappropriate personal questions," Mr. Valenti informed me.
"Then why are you engaging in business with him?" I inquired, feeling perplexed.
"He’s presenting a substantial amount of money for a significant project," I shook my head and shrugged in response.
We walked into the building and took our seats opposite Mr. Thompson and his secretary.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Valenti," Mr. Thompson greeted with a self-satisfied grin.
"Afternoon, Mr. Thompson," Mr. Valenti mirrored the same expression.
"Who’s this lovely lady?" I frowned, feeling disgusted as his gaze hungrily roamed over my figure.
"She’s my secretary, Althea Dawson."
Mr. Thompson reached out his hand for a handshake, and I accepted it, immediately regretting the decision as he began to rub the back of my hand with his thumb.
Mr. Valenti cleared his throat. "Let’s discuss business, Mr. Thompson."
Eros
After several hours of negotiations, Mr. Thompson chose to pay the amount we discussed over the phone. I still remember Althea’s earlier discomfort.
Every time Thompson directed a question at her, she would murmur. Clearly, she was not fond of him. His glances were quite inappropriate. I regret bringing Althea along.
I stepped away when my pear-phone began to vibrate.
"Mother."
"Eros, how are you, my son?" my mom Celestine said on the line.
"As strong as God intends me to be."
"I called to remind you about our family dinner tonight. Your grandma has arrived."
"I know, Mom. I'm finalizing an important deal. I'll come by once everything is wrapped up for the day.”
"Your grandmother has been inquiring about you."
"Just send her my regards. We can catch up more when I get there since she’s going to be around for a while."
"Alright, I’ll let her know. Make sure you arrive punctually."
"Of course, don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be there."
I hung up and placed my phone in my pants pocket. When I came back, Thompson was persuading Althea to accept his offer for the position of his new PA. I was aware of his intentions to sleep with her.
How could he?
"Althea." I smiled, wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her close to me. "Now that the meeting has concluded, we should leave."
I noticed a look of relief on her face when I gazed at her. "We should," she said with a smile.
Thompson and his secretary took their leave.
"I thought you could use a bit of assistance there," I murmured into her ear.
"I did. Thank you."
I can't explain why my heart raced whenever I was close to her. Perhaps it was because I saw her as a unique and determined woman. She was stunning in every aspect.
Or maybe it was her fragrance, whether it was perfume, cologne, or lotion—whatever it was, she had a scent of vanilla, a sweet, fresh, and calming aroma that was delightful to the senses.
What’s the matter with me? She’s merely a woman.
"Hey Eros, what are your plans for tonight?" Felici, Mr. Thompson interrupted my thoughts, causing us to separate.
"I’m going......"
"On a date with me," Althea interjected. I looked at her in disbelief and astonishment.
"Shall we head out, Eros?" Althea said sweetly.
"Absolutely, Althea." I guided her to my car.
"I thought you might need a bit of assistance there," Althea teased once we secured our seat belts.
"Actually, I do."
"What?" She appeared taken aback.
"How would you feel about joining me for my family dinner this evening?"
"This evening?"
"Yes," I answered.
She paused to consider. "It’s not a date, is it?"
"Nope, you’ll be attending as my personal.....assistant."
"Okay."
- Writer
